Punjab FC defeated Shillong Lajong FC 4–3 in a thrilling semi-final of the 9th OIL India Gold Cup Football Tournament 2026 at Nehru Maidan, Duliajan, on September 30. Omang Dodum was the star of the match, scoring all four goals for Punjab FC as his side secured a place in the final.
The seven-goal contest became one of the most exciting matches of the tournament so far. Shillong Lajong scored three goals but could not complete the comeback after Punjab FC had built a strong lead.
The match result and Dodum’s four-goal performance were also reported in the Indian football community following the game.
Punjab FC vs Shillong Lajong: Match Result
| Match detail | Information |
| Tournament | 9th OIL India Gold Cup Football Tournament 2026 |
| Stage | Semi-final |
| Date | September 30, 2026 |
| Venue | Nehru Maidan, Duliajan |
| Final score | Punjab FC 4–3 Shillong Lajong FC |
| Punjab FC scorer | Omang Dodum – 4 goals |
| Shillong Lajong scorers | Figo Syndai, Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli, Everbrightson Sana |
| Total goals | 7 |
The 2026 OIL India Gold Cup is being held at Nehru Maidan in Duliajan and features 14 teams from different parts of India and the Northeast. The tournament is organised by Oil India Limited under the technical guidance of the Assam Football Association.
Omang Dodum Scores Four Goals
The biggest story from the semi-final was the performance of Omang Dodum.
According to the match information available after the game, Dodum scored Punjab FC’s four goals in the 8th, 30th, 33rd and 64th minutes.
That means one player was responsible for the entire Punjab FC scoreline in the 4–3 victory.
Dodum’s performance is particularly notable because he has already featured prominently for India’s Under-20 team in 2026.
Earlier this year, the All India Football Federation reported that Dodum scored twice in India’s 3–0 victory over Pakistan in the SAFF U-20 Championship. He scored in the 64th and 88th minutes of that match.
He also scored against Bhutan in India’s 5–0 semi-final victory at the same tournament.
His performances at the SAFF U-20 Championship made him one of India’s notable young attacking players. He finished the tournament with three goals and was named the tournament’s best player according to tournament records.
Punjab FC Took Control Early
Punjab FC made a fast start to the semi-final.
Dodum opened the scoring in the eighth minute before adding another goal in the 30th minute. He completed his first-half hat-trick in the 33rd minute.
With three goals from the same player, Punjab FC entered a strong position during the first half.
The available match information lists two Shillong Lajong goals in first-half stoppage time, meaning the game changed significantly before the break.
The score therefore became much closer than it had appeared earlier in the match.
Shillong Lajong Fight Back
Shillong Lajong did not give up after falling behind.
Figo Syndai and Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli are listed as scoring in first-half stoppage time, while Everbrightson Sana added another goal in the second half.
Sana’s goal came in the 62nd minute according to the match information supplied for the game.
Punjab FC responded only two minutes later when Dodum scored his fourth goal in the 64th minute.
That goal proved important because it restored Punjab FC’s two-goal advantage and ultimately became the winning goal in the 4–3 scoreline.
Because the detailed goal-by-goal information is not yet available in a comprehensive official match report online, the exact minute-by-minute details should be treated as match information from the available match material rather than as independently verified statistics.
Punjab FC 4–3 Shillong Lajong: Goal Timeline
The available match details show the following sequence:
- 8’ — Omang Dodum: Punjab FC take the lead.
- 30’ — Omang Dodum: Dodum scores again.
- 33’ — Omang Dodum: Punjab’s lead increases to three goals.
- 45+’ — Figo Syndai: Shillong Lajong get on the scoresheet.
- 45+’ — Gladdy Nelcen Kharbuli: Shillong add another before half-time.
- 62’ — Everbrightson Sana: Shillong reduce the deficit further.
- 64’ — Omang Dodum: Dodum completes his four-goal performance.
The final score was Punjab FC 4–3 Shillong Lajong FC.
Dodum’s Form Adds More Interest
Dodum’s four-goal performance in Duliajan did not come completely out of nowhere.
Punjab FC’s own coverage of its 2026 Japan exposure tour shows Dodum involved in the club’s attacking play. He scored against Giravanz Kitakyushu in a 3–1 Punjab FC victory in July.
Punjab FC also reported that Dodum had a scoring opportunity during its final Japan-tour match against FC Baleine Shimonoseki.
His earlier international performances and his involvement with Punjab FC’s development setup provide useful context for the four-goal display in Duliajan.
OIL India Gold Cup 2026 Continues in Duliajan
The 9th OIL India Gold Cup began in Duliajan in September with 14 participating teams.
The tournament includes clubs and teams from Delhi, Punjab, Meghalaya, Assam, Manipur, Kolkata and other parts of the Northeast. Shillong Lajong FC and Punjab FC are among the better-known names in the competition.
The competition is part of a tournament tradition that dates back to 2005. The OIL India Gold Cup has been played in Duliajan and has provided a platform for football teams and young players from Assam and other regions.
The previous edition in 2025 was won by Diamond Harbour FC, who defeated Shillong Lajong in the final. Oil India itself highlighted the 2025 tournament and its role in promoting football and youth engagement in Duliajan.
When Is the OIL India Gold Cup 2026 Final?
The tournament schedule lists the OIL India Gold Cup 2026 final for October 3, 2026, at Nehru Maidan, Duliajan. The second semi-final is scheduled for October 1, after which the other finalist will be decided.
Punjab FC’s victory over Shillong Lajong means they have secured their place in the championship match.
The identity of their final opponent depends on the result of the other semi-final.
What This Result Means for Punjab FC
Punjab FC’s 4–3 victory puts them one match away from the OIL India Gold Cup title.
The result is also notable because of the way the team relied on one player for all four goals. Dodum’s performance gives the team an important attacking storyline heading into the final.
For Shillong Lajong, the result ends their campaign in the 2026 competition despite scoring three goals in the semi-final.
For football supporters in Duliajan and across Assam, the match provided another high-scoring knockout contest at Nehru Maidan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Punjab FC vs Shillong Lajong?
Punjab FC won the semi-final 4–3.
Who scored four goals for Punjab FC?
Omang Dodum scored all four Punjab FC goals.
When was the Punjab FC vs Shillong Lajong semi-final?
The semi-final was played on September 30, 2026.
Where was the match played?
The match was played at Nehru Maidan, Duliajan, Assam.
What was the final score?
Punjab FC 4–3 Shillong Lajong FC.
How many goals were scored?
There were seven goals in total.
When is the OIL India Gold Cup final?
The 2026 final is scheduled for October 3 at Nehru Maidan, Duliajan.
Conclusion
Punjab FC reached the OIL India Gold Cup 2026 final after beating Shillong Lajong FC 4–3 in a seven-goal semi-final in Duliajan. Omang Dodum was the central figure, scoring four times and providing the decisive attacking contribution for Punjab FC.
The result also adds another chapter to the 2026 OIL India Gold Cup, a tournament that continues to bring teams from across India and the Northeast to Duliajan. With the final scheduled for October 3, Punjab FC now have an opportunity to finish their campaign with the tournament trophy.